Manchester United Watching Defender Dias

United Scouts Monitor Benfica Man

Manchester United scouts were in Croatia this week to watch Benfica defender Ruben Dias.

The 21-year-old is one of a number of central defenders United are keeping tabs on as they seek to bolster their back line next season.

Dias came up through the academy at Benfica. He only made his first-team debut last season but managed to make 29 appearances in all competitions for the Portugese side and is now regarded as a nailed-on first-team regular.

Dias is regarded as a key player with the Eagles. Despite his youth he has captained the side on a number of occasions this season.

United scouts watched him in action on Thursday when Benfica travelled to Croatia for a Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.

Representatives from Old Trafford have been at a number of Benfica games this season with Dias’s team-mate Joao Felix also a target.

Reports from Portugal last weekend suggested that Benfica were demanding a fee of €180million (£155million) for Dias and Felix.

Liverpool saw a £61million bid for Felix rejected by Benfica during the January transfer window.